The St. Valentine's Day Massacre

The St. Valentine's Day Massacre is a gangster movie released in 1967. It is a chronological and historically accurate film that tends to walk on the grim and gritty side of crime. The film stars Jason Robards as Al Capone, George Segal as Peter Gusenberg, and Ralph Meeker as George Clarence 'Bugs' Moran. Directed by veteran Roger Corman, this film explores the notorious true incident of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, which took place in 1929, during which seven members of Chicago's North Side Gang were shot to death on orders from Al Capone.

In a period when violence is practically a universally accepted way of resolving disputes, especially among criminals, this film takes a deep dive into the gangland culture in 1920's Chicago. The focal character of this movie is Al Capone, here played by a rugged Jason Robards with an unmatched intensity and ruthlessness. He is a man with an insatiable lust for power, willing to go to any lengths to secure his position as the city's top gangster.

The narrative takes us on a journey of the harsh realities of gang rivalry, exposing the underbelly of crime that was operating outside the law. The film delves into the tension between Al Capone's South Side Italian gang and George 'Bugs' Moran's Irish gang. Capone's main objective is to establish undisputed control over the lucrative Chicago booze market, which are dominated by these two powerful gangs. Ralph Meeker, who portrays George 'Bugs' Moran, brilliantly exhibits the stubborn resilience characteristic of Moran, who refuses to be browbeaten by Capone's intimidating strategies.

George Segal's performance as Peter Gusenberg, one of the members of Moran's gang, adds another dimension to the film. Segal's performance excellently captures the angst, fear, but staunch loyalty integral to Gusenberg's character. The casting of the film effectively contributes to the harsh reality portrayed, and the performances showcase a range of complex characters embroiled in criminal activities, power struggles, and brutal decision-making.

Visually, the film captures the rough and dangerous streets of 1920's Chicago. Expertly shot, it paints a vivid picture of the era - from the old architecture to the 1920's wardrobes and the classic cars. The cinematography adds an authentic mood to the film, which allows the audience to better understand the formidable environments these ruthless characters carved their stories in. The film also gives us a glimpse into some of the socio-economic factors prevalent during that time, factors that often fueled such violent engagements.

The director, Roger Corman, known for his B-movies, skillfully handles the subject matter by eschewing sensationalism; and instead, focuses on historical accuracy and the intricate portrayal of the characters' psychology. Corman's style remains noticeably unaffected by the limitations usually associated with the gangster genre. The movie is notably devoid of any romantic or comedic subplots usually used to lighten the mood in such dark narratives. It opts instead to maintain a constant air of tension, reflecting the grim reality of the era.

The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, in essence, is a chilling account of one of the deadliest days in American mob history, a day marked by violence, betrayal and unanticipated bloodshed. It mixes historical accuracy with adept storytelling, taking its audience on a harrowing journey into the heart of a brutal power struggle between Chicago's major underworld players. As in any good gangster movie, it tips its fedora to the codes of loyalty, vendetta, and the inevitable consequences of ambition spiraling out of control.

From a stellar cast to an engaging plot, the film delivers an uncompromising exploration of the criminal underbelly of 1920's Chicago. It remains an essential watch for anyone who appreciates gritty, realistic cinematography - and of course, for connoisseurs of historical American crime dramas. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, though set in the annals of the past, offers a timeless window into a tumultuous era that continues to fascinate and horrify audiences with its raw, unfiltered depiction of criminal life.

While it doesn't glorify crime, it doesn't shy away from showing the humanity behind the monsters, making the performances all the way more haunting. If you're seeking a cinematic journey into the dark underbelly of organized crime during Prohibition, bolstered by uncompromising performances and a chilling true story, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre should be a worthy addition to your watchlist.